Search the Community

Hi there fellow ST's! As a newbie to stretch therapy, I wondered whether I could call on the ST community to share their experiences so far of ST and offer any advice. I had my first ST class of 6 participants on Thursday and have been very excited about it! As a remedial therapist, my class has come entirely from my database, so they are at least familiar with the benefits of stretching. However, despite regularly prescribing stretches and exercises, I found myself like a fish out of water in the class - and I've known my participants (the majority) for years. I was so nervous the night before, I even dreamed about it where I had over 40 people turn up for the class (in a space only big for 10 people)! A big thank you to Merryn for posting her class plans. They're fabulous and very useful. So, I'm curious about several things. I could only fit in an 8 week term this year and wondered if others had done similar and what to focus on. I started with the foot sequence (including Cherie's plantar fascia release on the ball - thanks Cherie!). [side note: Despite the fact everyone loved the tennis ball release, the last minute extra tennis balls I grabbed weren't up to scratch and as soon as weight bared down on them, most either squashed flat or burst!! Thankfully, most had a good sense of humour and we moved on!] Next was introducing the pelvic movements and daily 5. We completed the 'Elvis/ J. Lo' (again, awesome cue Merryn!), did the angry cat/ happy dog, looked around at our tail and finished with the side bend (kneeling). Everyone did really well. As any class, I'm sure, there were varying degrees of ability and flexibility. One lady in her 60's had a double mastectomy approx. 12 months ago, and found the side bend a little uncomfortable. I imagine there would be a considerable amount of scar tissue from the operations, including over her lats. She felt more comfortable as the shoulder rolled forward. I imagine a lot of the restriction in that area for her now would be due scar tissue - should I be suggesting this is an area for her to continue working on? Should I continue with that exercise or should I be suggesting another/ modification initially? I also have a lady in her mid 50's who is used to doing yoga. There are 2 points here: 1 - although I explained to her this is not yoga, I feel there is a sense that given the initial class, she feels as if it's 'easy' or 'not enough'. I wondered what experiences other ST's have had where there is a more 'advanced' student in the class and how you have handled such students. 2 - During side bend, she feels 'bunched up' on the side she is bending towards, on the L & R. From her 'experience' she stated 'and I don't think its very good' - i.e. its causing her discomfort therefore it should be avoided. Knowing her through treating her for many years, the area she mentions is what we've been working on more recently in the clinic, so when she made the comment, instinctively, I believe this to be an area she needs to stretch. Even so, I felt quite intimidated by her 'matter of fact-ness' and reminded me of how green to ST I really am! So, in summary, I'd like to hear about your experiences and how you handled situations such as the ones stated above as well as suggestions for class plans moving forward into week 2. Thanks guys, Holly